BNP Government Initiates Cancellation of RAJUK Plot Allocated to Sohel Taj During Awami League Tenure

The current BNP government has initiated a process to review and cancel plots allocated under special quotas by the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) during the tenure of the previous Awami League government. As part of this move, a relevant committee has made an initial recommendation to cancel a five-katha plot allocated to former State Minister for Home Affairs and former Member of Parliament for Gazipur-4, Tanjim Ahmad Sohel Taj.

These details have emerged following a review of official RAJUK records.

According to the documents, Sohel Taj was allocated a five-katha plot in 2011 under a special quota in the Uttara Phase 3 Residential Area. The plot—designated as Plot No. 1, Road 1/A, Block E, Sector 16, Uttara (Plot ID: 16/E-01/A-001)—was approved in his name during RAJUK’s sixth board meeting held that year.

The allocation records list Sohel Taj’s date of birth as 5 January 1970 and identify his father as former Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmad. The property was allotted to him under RAJUK’s reserved quota for Members of Parliament in his capacity as the former MP for Gazipur-4.

RAJUK documents further show that Sohel Taj deposited a total of 30 lakh BDT into the RAJUK treasury at a rate of 6 lakh BDT per katha. Ownership of the plot was subsequently transferred to him, with the official deed (Deed No. 9321) executed on 30 July 2012.

However, within a few years of receiving the allotment, Sohel Taj sold the property. According to records, the plot was transferred on 15 December 2014 to two individuals named Tasfia Kolim and Lamima Kolim. RAJUK officials estimate that, considering prevailing market rates at the time, the plot may have been sold for approximately 6 to 7 crore BDT.

At present, the plot in Sector 16, Block E of Uttara lies vacant. An on-site inspection revealed no structures or nameplates on the property. While construction work is under way on several adjoining plots, the plot originally allocated to Sohel Taj remains empty.

Legal Framework Governing Allocations

RAJUK officials explained that Rule 13(A) of the Dhaka Town Improvement (Allotment of Lands) Rules, 1969, grants authority for plot or flat allotments under special consideration. Under this provision, the Prime Minister or the Minister for Housing and Public Works possesses discretionary powers to allocate plots or flats under special quotas.

While various administrations since independence have utilized this provision to grant special quotas, the present government is re-evaluating allotments made during the Awami League era to verify whether legal procedures and allocation terms were strictly adhered to.

A government-appointed committee reviewed allocation records and compiled a list of cases exhibiting irregularities. Following verification, official proceedings to revoke several allotments have commenced.

In the case of Sohel Taj’s plot, the committee submitted an initial recommendation for cancellation following its review. The matter now rests with the Ministry of Housing and Public Works for final consideration.

Ministry to Take the Final Decision

When contacted regarding the issue, RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md Riazul Islam stated that a committee was formed by the ministry to review the list of plots. The committee has completed its review, and the ministry will now make the final decision.

“RAJUK has no direct involvement in this decision-making process,” he added.

Sohel Taj’s Response

Attempts were made to contact former MP Sohel Taj by telephone on the afternoon of 9 August to seek his statement regarding the allotment and the cancellation proceedings. Upon being asked about the plot, he ended the call and did not respond to subsequent attempts to reach him. Consequently, his statement could not be obtained.

RAJUK officials reiterated that the primary objective of the ongoing review is to determine whether legal standards, eligibility criteria, and allocation conditions were properly maintained during the Awami League government’s tenure. Final decisions regarding any identified irregularities will be determined by the ministry concerned.

Staff Reporter